Gods Sabbath

T HE S OURCE OF E VERYTHING

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er-effects. But God has never made provision for a system where we can sin with impunity. Instead, God provides us with restoration of life if we are pre pared to discontinue sinful practices and turn to Him. Although the wages of sin are death, and we cannot hide our sin, some of the life lost by sin can be regained through a connection with the Source of all life and health. An excellent example of the renewal of life through connection with the Source is given in Mark 2:1–12 in the story of the man let down through the roof to Jesus’ feet. It was the violation of God’s law that had brought this man to the very brink of death. When he came to Jesus “there was no time to lose; already his wasted flesh was showing signs of decay.” The Desire of Ages , 267.4. This man’s disease was the result of years of sin, and his suffer ings were further embittered by remorse. Transgression had ex acted a terrible toll until, as a direct consequence, he was literal ly at the point of death. Then he came into contact with the Life Giver through Jesus Christ, the Connector. A stream of life flowed from God into him, restoring all that sin had taken away. He im mediately arose from his bed and walked out of the room in a far healthier state than those who stood around him. (See Mark 2:12.) This is a clear example of the way in which life from God can counteract the effects of sin in those who repent and are prepared to forsake it and follow Him. This example also portrays what would happen if a sinner were allowed to partake of the tree of life. So what is the relationship between sin and death? Whereas disobedience to God’s law is usually seen as the prime cause of dis ease and death, the underlying cause is separation from the Source of life. Whenever we violate God’s law, to that extent we separate ourselves from the Source. This is not only because God’s life is the very antithesis of sin, but because of the nature of sin itself. So what exactly is sin? The Bible says, “sin is the transgression of the law.” ( 1John 3:4, KJV). This is of course true, but another definition, which incorpo rates the deeper cause of sin, is: sin is a humanly devised solution The Definition of Sin